POCATELLO — The Bannock County Commission passed an emergency disaster declaration on Thursday due to a large increase in West Nile virus activity in the area.

David Herter, Bannock County’s mosquito abatement supervisor, said test results are currently pending for two county residents suspected of having West Nile virus.

County officials have already confirmed that three domesticated llamas have the virus, and a few bats are also in the process of being tested.

During most years in Bannock County, West Nile virus is usually first detected in trapped mosquitoes in mid-July. But this year, the virus was first detected in early June.

“We have more reported incidents of West Nile virus than anywhere else in the state right now,” said Evan Frasure, Bannock County Commission Chairman. “It got to the point where we felt we had to act. West Nile virus is not something you take lightly.”

The declaration approved by the Bannock County Commission on Thursday states that a disaster emergency currently exists because of the “unprecedented” number of mosquitoes. Officials say the reason that the mosquito population has gotten so large this summer is due to widespread and prolonged flooding in the area.

Currently, Bannock County officials said the biggest areas of concern are McCammon through Lava Hot Springs and Downey through Swanlake.

Aerial spraying to control the adult mosquito populations began Thursday evening in the Downey through Swanlake area. Additional aerial applications will continue in other areas Monday through Wednesday during the evening hours.

Bannock County officials said the spray that is being used is an EPA-registered pesticide approved for public health applications. Those with concerns about the pesticide are advised to take precautions by staying indoors with their windows shut and their air conditioners turned off during the spraying treatment.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, West Nile virus is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from person-to-person through casual contact.

Symptoms of the illness often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and skin rash. The virus can cause serious illness, especially for people over the age of 50. In some cases, it can be deadly.

Last year, nine people and 10 horses were infected by the virus in Idaho. However, there were no reported human deaths from West Nile virus in the state.

“The emergency disaster declaration helps open up more avenues for us to fight West Nile so it doesn’t get transmitted to humans,” Herter said. “Our ultimate goal is public health.”

To help protect themselves against West Nile virus, Bannock County officials said residents are urged to use mosquito repellant with DEET. Residents should also wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn and remove any standing water from their properties.

Anybody with questions about aerial spraying in Bannock County is asked to contact Herter at 208-251-3083.

The Bingham County Abatement District is also conducting aerial spraying of approximately 15,393 acres in that county due to the large numbers of mosquitoes.

Spraying is set to begin Friday evening at approximately 8:30 p.m. in Bingham County, weather permitting. An alternative date has been scheduled for Sunday.

Bingham County residents with questions about the aerial spraying are advised to call Vector Disease Control International’s Blackfoot office at 208-684-5112.